Hi Everyone, Just wanted to update everyone on what I found out when I took "noah" to a different vet for a second opinion on a previous prolapsed hemipene lump near the cloaca.

Well, this vet took one look at the lump and said that it was either a tumor/mass or an infection. He took a sample and looked under the microscope - it was indeed a long term infection. What had been happening was ever since the hemipene had prolapsed over a year ago while in the breeders care - the initial prolapse had caused an infection to start in that spot. The snake had this dime sized lump when I bought him and I was aware that it had prolapsed but the breeder said the lump was nothing to worry about - well it was indeed something to worry about. Over the months that I had him I noticed the lump was getting larger and occassionally would look irritated - thus the reason for the vet visits. The first vet didn't diagnose him correctly but this second vet did thank god.

He did surgery on him to remove all the absesses (4 in all). He said the snakes own immune system was encapsulating the absesses as they appeared in an attempt to keep the infection from spreading - but over time the poor snake couldn't keep up I guess. Luckily for me, he is a very robust healthy snake and the vet thought we caught it in time and he shouldn't have any problems going forward.

I can't believe the difference in that areas appearance just after two days after the surgery. He has some staples keeping the wound closed and I do have to administer some antibiotics and cleanse the area with betadine for 2 weeks but we expect a full recovery.

I just want to let you guys know what it ended up being. I was very impressed with Dr. Chris Howe from Jackson MI - he was very knowledgeable and took a lot of time to explain everything to me. I have definitely found a new reptile vet for my pets - even it it means driving 2 hours to get there - he is well worth it.